New album may do it for Johnny Helm

After taking a listen this week to an advance copy of his new album, I wouldn't be surprised to see his recording career finally take off after a decade of hard work.

"This album is actually a collection," he explained. "I originally finished it about a year ago, but I didn't like it."

So Helm went digging in his archives, pulling out unreleased tracks from 1996, 2000 and 2004 to compliment the new songs. He hopes to release "The Divide" in August, and is in the process of negotiating a deal with a mainland-based company to help promote his work to a larger audience.

Working with Armstrong Interactive principals Paul Marshall and Chuck Armstrong will allow him to remain based in Hawaii, which is important to Helm after spending a year as a starving artist in New York back in 2004.

"I have a fanbase here," he said. "It would be silly to release it on the mainland where my fanbase is much smaller."

You can get a taste of the Hoku Award-nominated musician on Saturday, when Helm plays with John Cruz at rRed Elephant starting at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $22.50 at the door; call 550-8457 to order by phone ...

IT'S NICE to see Skybox adding live entertainment to their weekly lineup this summer.

The "Aloha Friday Concert Series" kicked off last week with B.E.T. playing to a packed house on Kapiolani Blvd. The Next Generation follows up this week, followed by Most High and T.H.C. next Friday. Kapena plays on June 23, with Most High and TNG returning for another gig on June 30. Doors open at 8 p.m. each week, and $5 pitchers are available all night long.

And remember, if you get bored upstairs at Skybox, there's always DJ K-Smooth spinning downstairs at Osake after 10 p.m. on Fridays ...

YOU CAN rock out at Anna Bannanas once again this weekend, as Underworld Events presents "Metalfest IV: Hell Awaits" on Saturday.

Doors open at 4 p.m. for the all-ages show, which will feature 15 bands over eight hours at Anna's. Of course, 8MM Overdose will be on hand, along with Laissez Faire, DeBauch, Pacifica and the Aftermath. Cover is $8 for this one ...

MIXED MARTIAL ARTS fans will also be out in force on Saturday night, as "X-1 Battlegrounds 4" takes place at Blaisdell Arena.

Afterward, the fun moves to Brew Moon at Ward Centre, where Dark Knight Productions will host an official afterparty until 2 a.m. I'm also told that big-name fighters Phil Baroni and Vitor Belfort will make an appearance at some point during the evening. Call 277-4610 for more info ...

In the Mix drops Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Star-Bulletin.
Reach Jason Genegabus at jason@starbulletin.com.